Yemassee, South Carolina – Police Search for Escaped Monkeys
Authorities in Yemassee, South Carolina, are currently on a mission to locate 43 rhesus macaque monkeys that made a daring escape from a nearby research facility. This unusual situation unfolded after a keeper forgot to close a door to their outdoor enclosure at Alpha Genesis, a company known for breeding monkeys for medical research.
The Escape
The monkeys escaped on Wednesday and are believed to be on the loose in the Lowcountry area, which is characterized by its rural environment and dense woods. According to the Yemassee Police Department, the escaped group consists mainly of young female monkeys, each weighing approximately 7 pounds (3.2 kg).
In response to the situation, local authorities are urging residents in the area to keep all doors and windows securely closed and to immediately report any sightings of the monkeys. The police have also emphasized, “Please do not attempt to approach these animals under any circumstances,” as they can be unpredictable.
Ongoing Efforts to Capture the Monkeys
Officials have set up traps in the vicinity, and police are using thermal imaging cameras to assist in locating the animals. The monkeys are reportedly quite skittish and have been hiding out in the woods since their escape. Greg Westergaard, CEO of Alpha Genesis, expressed his frustration regarding the incident, describing it as “really troubling.” He hopes that the monkeys will return to the facility on their own, drawn by food that is being offered.
Westergaard described how the escape occurred: “It’s really like follow-the-leader. You see one go and the others go.” In total, there were 50 monkeys in the enclosure when 43 managed to bolt out the door while 7 stayed behind. Westergaard noted that while there are some small things for the monkeys to eat in the woods, such as insects, they prefer fruits like apples. “So we are hoping that will draw them in the next day or two,” he added.
Weather Complicates Recovery Efforts
The search for the escaped monkeys is also facing challenges due to inclement weather. Westergaard mentioned that capturing the monkeys was “hampered a bit by the rain,” as the monkeys would likely find shelter during these conditions. Efforts continue to find them as soon as possible.
A History of Escapes
This isn’t the first time that primates have escaped from Alpha Genesis. Reports indicate that in the past, the facility has dealt with similar incidents—19 monkeys escaped in 2016 before being safely returned after about six hours, while 26 monkeys escaped two years prior to that. The local community of Yemassee, with a population of less than 1,100 residents, is now adjusting to the unusual situation.
Public Safety Concerns
Macaque monkeys are known for their aggressive behavior, but Yemassee Police Chief Gregory Alexander reassured the public during a recent news conference that “there is almost no danger to the public.” Still, officials are taking precautions, and local representatives are working to keep residents informed.
In the past, similar incidents involving escaped primates have occurred, such as a Japanese macaque that evaded capture for over five days after escaping a zoo in Scotland earlier this year. That animal was located using a drone before being tranquilized and returned to its habitat.
Final Thoughts
As the search continues for the escaped monkeys in Yemassee, local authorities are committed to ensuring the safety of both the animals and the community. The next few days will be crucial as they work towards bringing the monkeys back to safety and restoring normalcy to the area.
